While parents continue to love their children no matter what, they cannot escape those occasions when wills clash, rebellion reaches an impasse, and things get downright impossible. The result? Harsh words and ugly reactions as parents stand their ground and sons and daughters react in stubborn defiance, refusing to back down. This is one of those times when the fun stops for parents.
There are times when defending one’s rights is essential; to do less would result in chaos. However, we are not addressing those issues in this message, but rather the sin of standing in stubborn defiance against and questioning any and all authority that has the right to confront, correct, or instruct us.
Every family has headaches and heartaches. Because human depravity runs deep, it is impossible to rear our children from infancy to independence without encountering times that call for straight talk and tough love. While we love our children no matter what, parents cannot escape those occasions when wills clash, rebellion reaches an impasse, and things get downright impossible.
We tend to think of teens as the only ones who deal with rebellion and defiance but these tendencies are in all of us, no matter our age.
I always thought I spent my 24 hours per day pretty well—I took time for work, play, friends and family, and had enough left for rest. So of course just as I was feeling proud of my time-keeping abilities, I got a new job.
The therapeutic value of music is nothing new. So it was with David, the youthful king-elect, who was more than a faithful shepherd and a man of valour. He was first known as a skilful musician, a talent that brought him face-to-face with his predecessor, King Saul.
What does “become like little children” mean? How are we to come to Jesus as a child? Six faith lessons come to mind about what children can teach us about childlike faith.
Clothing may polish the image, but it doesn’t polish the character. You’ve heard the statement “You never have a second chance to make a first impression,” but does how you dress have anything to do with the inside? How do you polish that?
We place a lot of emphasis on outward appearance. But God looks at the heart.
The Old Testament character of David is known for his passion, humility, and faith. Although he was a man after God’s own heart, David made many mistakes in his life, mistakes God redeemed, giving us hope that our mistakes can also be redeemed.
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